Haiti’s long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup has been met with an unexpected problem off the pitch. Just two days before the Caribbean nation begins its first World Cup campaign in 52 years against Scotland on June 13, FIFA ordered the team to make changes to its official tournament jerseys. The issue was not related to sponsorship, colours or branding. Instead, FIFA raised concerns about historical artwork that had been included in the design of the kits. The governing body ruled that the imagery did not comply with tournament regulations and instructed Haiti to remove it before the start of the competition.
Why did FIFA ban the original Haiti jersey?
The controversy centres around artwork featured on Haiti’s home, away and third kits, which were produced by Colombian sportswear company Saeta. The shirts included a detailed image near the right hip showing the Battle of Vertieres alongside the Haitian flag.
Haiti had already worn the kits during warm-up matches against Peru and New Zealand in Florida before the World Cup. However, FIFA reviewed the uniforms as part of its final equipment checks and determined that the battle scene violated its regulations.
According to FIFA rules, players cannot wear clothing that contains political, religious or personal messages, images or slogans. Officials reportedly concluded that the depiction of a historic military battle could be interpreted as a political or historical statement. As a result, Haiti was instructed to remove the imagery and submit a revised design before the tournament.
What was the historical meaning behind the jersey of Haiti?
For Haiti and the kit manufacturer, the artwork was never intended to send a political message. Instead, it was designed to honour one of the most important moments in the country’s history.
Haiti aceita exigência da Fifa e muda uniforme da Copa.
A seleção do Haiti concordou em alterar seus uniformes para a Copa do Mundo de 2026 após um pedido da entidade máxima do Futebol relacionado ao design das camisas. A FIFA considerou que uma ilustração presente no modelo… pic.twitter.com/o5XxdR0hyz
— LIBERTA DEPRE (@liberta___depre) June 11, 2026
The Battle of Vertières took place on November 18, 1803, and marked the decisive victory of Haitian revolutionary forces over Napoleon’s French army. The victory paved the way for Haiti to become the world’s first independent Black republic.
The design also referenced revolutionary leader Jean-Jacques Dessalines, who played a key role in Haiti’s fight for independence. Saeta said the artwork was created as a tribute to the men and women who continue to work for the country’s future.
Despite that explanation, FIFA maintained its position and required the imagery to be removed before the World Cup began.
How has the Haitian team responded to the decision?
The Colombian sportswear company Saeta who created the jersey said, “Working in close collaboration with the Haitian Football Federation, our objective throughout the process was to create a jersey that celebrated the pride, resilience and spirit of the Haitian people,” as quoted by the Guardian.
